Sean Bowen Grand National Day rides blog: 'If you were building a Grand National horse, you'd build one like Haiti Couleurs'

Sean Bowen has a full book of rides (seven) on Grand National Day at Aintree (Saturday, April 11, 2026), including on Haiti Couleurs in the showpiece race at 4pm. He previews all his rides in his latest blog.

Sean Bowen Grand National Day rides blog - Saturday, April 11, 2026

Sean Bowen Grand National Day rides schedule

• Alnilam - Aintree - 12.45 race odds

• Hold The Serve - Aintree - 1.20 race odds

• Scorpio Rising - Aintree - 1.55 race odds

• Glengouly - Aintree - 2.30 race odds

• Strong Leader - Aintree - 3.05 race odds

• Haiti Couleurs - Aintree - 4.00 race odds

• Thelastmanfrompenr - Aintree - 5.00 race odds

There’s nothing quite like Grand National Day — it’s the biggest day of our year and one we all look forward to.

I’ve got a full book of rides on the card, and it’s always nice to be busy, especially on the big days. You want to be riding in all the best races, and having a full book helps the day go quicker. I’m not sure it changes how you feel before the big race itself, but it’s great to be involved right through the card.

The atmosphere in the weighing room on Grand National Day is different — it’s a bit more tense. Some people get louder, some get quieter. But it just shows how much it means. It’s a special day, and we relish riding with a great atmosphere.

12:45 – Alnilam

I start the day on board Alnilam. He started the season well, and his Cheltenham win at the Showcase Meeting was impressive, but he hasn’t quite backed that up since. He’s had a short break after a slightly disappointing run at Windsor, so hopefully that’s freshened him up.

He’s got a bit to find with the very best in here, but stepping up to three miles should suit. He stayed on strongly at Cheltenham, and this flatter track on good to soft ground should be in his favour. If things fall right, he can run a solid race.

1:20 – Hold The Serve

I was pleased with Hold The Serve’s run at Kempton last time — he looked strong at the finish, which gives you confidence stepping up in trip.

The three miles should suit him well, and the ground and track look ideal. There’s plenty in his favour, and I think he can improve again for the step up in distance.

1:55 – Scorpio Rising

Scorpio Rising has been a real improver all season. What’s impressed me is how versatile he’s been — handling different types of tracks and still progressing.

His win in a £100,000 handicap at Ascot was very taking, and you don’t see horses win races like that as impressively as he did. This is a big step up into graded company, but on the way he’s been progressing, you couldn’t rule him out.

2:30 – Glengouly

I won on Glengouly earlier in the season at Cheltenham in the December Gold Cup, and he was very good that day.

He hasn’t quite reproduced that form since, so he needs to bounce back. If he does return to that level, he could have an each-way chance — but he’ll need to show more than he has on his last couple of starts.

3:05 – Strong Leader

Strong Leader loves it here and has been trained specifically for this race.

He’s had a wind operation since his last run and wears a tongue tie now, which could help. This flat, left-handed track suits him perfectly, and he’s been an unlucky second in this race twice before.

He’s got a big chance if everything clicks — it’s a great ride to have.

4:00 – Haiti Couleurs (Grand National)

If you were building a Grand National horse, you’d probably build one like Haiti Couleurs.

He stays all day — wins in the Irish and Welsh Nationals prove that — and he’s a solid jumper. Stamina won’t be an issue over four miles-plus, and he should get the kind of ground he enjoys. He ticks all the right boxes.

We’ll need to put his Cheltenham run behind us, but he’s been freshened up since, and Rebecca [Curtis] is very happy with him at home. If she’s happy, I’m happy.

In a race like this, a clear round is everything. You need to get into a rhythm, stay out of trouble, and give your horse the best chance. If he gets that, he’s got a massive chance. I can’t wait to ride him in the race. Victory in the Grand National would be a dream come true, and it would be a day I would never forget.

5:00 – Thelastmanfrompenr

You never really know what you’re riding in these bumpers — especially one like this, where anything could turn up.

Thelastmanfrompenr was tough and straightforward when winning at Kelso, which is always a good sign, but this is a big step up in class. It’ll be interesting to see how he measures up.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication.